It wasn't pretty, but Sunderland won't mind.

The Black Cats secured a 1-0 victory away at MK Dons on Saturday - a result which extended their fine run to seven games without a defeat.

Lynden Gooch was the man who made the breakthrough with a sublime curling effort - a moment of quality which was enough to decide the League One affair.

Sunderland are now firmly on the play-off spots following that victory, but what did we learn about Phil Parkinson's side?

A winning formula

Winning breeds confidence and that's certainly the case for Sunderland at the moment.

Phil Parkinson developed something of an unwanted reputation for tinkering with his team during the opening months of his time in charge, but has since turned things around.

Sunderland seem to have found a system and the personnel which is needed to pick up results at this level, and that's why Parkinson is finally getting supporters back on side.

Of course changes will be needed as the season unfolds, but it's very reassuring to know the manager finally knows his best XI, and more importantly, that it's good enough to get results.

Individual moments of quality

It's naive to think that every match is going to go your way, but that's why you need a differential.

The clash with MK Dons seemed like a game which was destined for a draw until Lynden Gooch stepped up and curled home a stunning winner.

Gooch and Chris Maguire have been in stunning form in recent weeks, and while Phil Parkinson's tactical set-up has been a key part of it, you can't underestimate their individual roles.

Stunning strikes and moments of brilliance - Sunderland will need it all if they're to continue this form in the coming weeks.

A late surge to promotion?

Sunderland fans can't dare to dream, can they?

Their promotion hopes looked to be all-but over before Christmas but the recent upturn in form and pushed them right into the contention.

There's always one team who appears to come from nowhere to challenge for promotion, and based on recent results it's hard to bet against Sunderland being in and amongst it come the end of the season.